Over in Tumon at The Hyatt Regency Guam this weekend, the 23rd Red Ball was held, and this year's gala event was arguably the most special of them all. Chita Blaise, the cherished executive director of the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross, will be retiring at the end of the year, so at her final Red Ball as coordinator, the community said thank you and had an amazing five-course meal alongside her.

Chita's been a friend of KUAM and our island for many years, and no one typifies selfless leadership and service more than her. So everyone in attendance at the star-studded event thanked Chita for her incredible contributions to spearhead disaster relief initiatives, rallying donation drives and distributing goodwill items for those in need.

The Corporate Partner of the Year went to AM Insurance, much to the delight of general manager Annmarie Muna and her team. Well done!

But the work continues for the American Red Cross, and always ready to help. And so thank you to the many corporate, family and individual donors who make their work possible.